Microbial forensics- past, present and future

Abstract

Bio terrorism in both crude and refined forms have been seen throughout the ages even from Biblical times. Terrorist or criminal use of pathogenic organisms and their toxins have been of great concern ever since the Anthrax attacks in 2001 in the United States. A relatively naive field in many nations world over, Microbial Forensics should play a lead role in sample handling, tackling, configuring, prioritizing and validating bio crimes.
The objectives of this review on Microbial forensics is to look back into the subtle events of the past, assess the shocking incidents of our present times and propose prospects to systematically deal with this emerging menace in the future and secure the nations with a special reference to India from the disastrous consequences of bio weapons.